Wire size

[Ingersoll AC]

In our neck of the woods here is what wire needs to be on what breaker.

15amp 14Awg
20amp 12Awg
30amp 10Awg
40amp 8Awg
50amp 6Awg

Breaker does not protect equipment as so much as stops the wire from catching fire.

If the unit requires minimum of 50amp I would run 6Awg

[acts238]

what year unit was it and how long ago was it installed?

The customer said, "it was installed 11 years ago.

[mcewans]

I came across a 5 ton Rheem condenser the other day, with a 50 amp min. circuit capacity. It had a 30 amp breaker at the panel. The customer has called the electrician. When they are done., I am going back to resize the wire from the disconnect to the condenser. It is currently running a 10 wire. I'm thinking; at least 8 AWG.

I know this is residential, but is this single phase or 3-phase?

[acts238]

I know this is residential, but is this single phase or 3-phase?

single phase

[timebuilder]

In our neck of the woods here is what wire needs to be on what breaker.

15amp 14Awg
20amp 12Awg
30amp 10Awg
40amp 8Awg
50amp 6Awg

Breaker does not protect equipment as so much as stops the wire from catching fire.

If the unit requires minimum of 50amp I would run 6Awg

Question for you.

I see the electricians on Mike Holmes TV show installing panels with the long dimension oriented horizontal. What is the thinking behind that?

[MM#7]

Question for you.

I see the electricians on Mike Holmes TV show installing panels with the long dimension oriented horizontal. What is the thinking behind that?

jmo, that show originates in canada, i think its a canadian thing, ive never seen that in the usa, but i havent been in every house in the us! if i had to take a guess by going horizontal, there more clearance from the floor, just a guess! ps, i wonder if holmes, would ever get a job he bid on, he never likes anything,and his motto, is rip it out, i'm the only guy in the world that can do it right! and most people if they had to pay his rates would be in shock.broke. i watch hisshow less and less, again, he comes off as the only guy in the world that can build anything, finally most people get what they pay for!not always, but the average consumer buys on price!

[timebuilder]

The poster I referenced is Canadian.

[acts238]

I know this is residential, but is this single phase or 3-phase?

I had a call last night, no cool: determined that the fan side of the dual run cap was "no bueno". I didn't have the required microfarads on board; so, I went back this morning, (Saturday) with a turbo 200 (all they had). Out of curiousity I looked in the main return box, and saw a 14 in. round dust spot, on the plenum insulation, that was not cut out in the installation.

[MM#7]

The poster I referenced is Canadian.

ok.

[Senator]

you need a minimum #6 wire for a 50-60 amp breaker---I never agreed with doing by the max size because the breaker does act as a fuse.... why would you be ok with the amps being that high to begin with? There is obviously an issuse going on with excess amp draw loose txv bulb, over charge, dirty condenser, lack of return airlow ect.

[acts238]

you need a minimum #6 wire for a 50-60 amp breaker---I never agreed with doing by the max size because the breaker does act as a fuse.... why would you be ok with the amps being that high to begin with? There is obviously an issuse going on with excess amp draw loose txv bulb, over charge, dirty condenser, lack of return airlow ect.

We called an electrician out for this customer. They ran #6 wire all the way to the unit. New 50 amp breaker, new disconnect, real fine job.

[Milk man]

Unless you hire the electrician, you can't bill for him. How are you going to get paid for the whip if you didn't install it.

[acts238]

Unless you hire the electrician, you can't bill for him. How are you going to get paid for the whip if you didn't install it.

I hadn't thought of that. The electrician is a guy I know, and I just had the customer call him.